Saturday, July 6, 2013

LatinoLA.com at 14

Another year came and went. We celebrated our 14th year online on July 1. Hooray!

Let's see:

12, 019 stories published, more or less.

21,550 calendar listings published, more or less.

14 years of newsletters, published weekly (most of the time, let's say, 45 per year times 14 equals ... 630 newsletters, more or less).

Stories by Frankie Firme - about 400, more or less

Page views - in the millions

Our listing on Google when you search on the word "Latino" - Number Four

People who've attended events we've listed: Millions, no doubt

People who've been moved to comment on our stories (to themselves, to their friends/colleagues/family or online): Millions, do doubt.

Yes, our analytics are state of the art.

Still, a sense of disquiet, of foreboding, of fatigue. This is still a struggling site, as I've been working on the next iteration of LatinoLA, calling it LatinoCities, for way too long. And each time I look into its progress, the timeline is pushed further back and further back.

I don't know how long I can continue. I know we are all struggling, but have I put too much effort into this endeavor at the expense of my career, family, personal life? Only I can answer that, but I ask you: Is LatinoLA still a worthwhile media player?

4 comments:

It is a site I visit several times a day, if not more, finding it inspirational, informative, and vital.

LatinoLA is one of the few online magazines that truly reflects its readers' interests and concerns since it is reader driven. Most of the pieces are written by its readers. That's what makes it unique and effective.

And I think it is by far the best online Latino magazine.

And, Abelardo, you have something special here. I pray that you can continue and that you will prosper eventually. You are one extraordinary bato. Tommy Villalobos

Ay, Abelardo. Can we talk? LatinoLA is in the vanguard, a veritable trailblazer, of Latino communication and Journalism. You and the rest of the editorial staff have invested time, energy, your very souls and selves, to bring this entity to fruition. I cannot think of one other written or technological publication that appeals to the wide spectrum of readers, as does LatinoLA.

You, Abelardo, You and the others have given Mi Gente and myself a tremendous power. The power of words, of sharing, of expression, of demanding our rights, of commending each other, of chastizing when chastizing is merited. The power of being able to tell of our dreams, our fears, our successes and yes, our failures. The power of being able to write in to a young, aspiring writer, or producer, or someone who dreams big while in their stifling cubicle--the power and ability to say, "Hey, I am here. And I read your words. And they struck a chord in me. And, thank you!"

I am just imagining all of the various scenarios that have occurred because YOU took this idea, which began to germinate in your alma, in your mind, in your corazon--you took this idea and made it REAL. You made it BE.

Yes, La Vida takes it's toll on all of us. Some of us feel the strains as we are more sensitive. Some of us feel the strains because they are truly hard blows. And we find ourselves reeling, at times, trying to remain standing. Trying to take the next step. I tell myself at these times, "Damn it--I am NOT going to lie here and take this." And I stand up, shaky and scared, maybe not moving for a while, but eventually I begin again.

LatinoLA has given wings to those who wish to fly. LatinoLA has given hope to those who do not know to whom they can turn. LatinoLA has given opportunity to each and every one of us--to be who and what we are. And, for that, and for so many other kindnesses, I thank you.

Please see that LatinoLA already is LatinoCities. LatinoLA is El Mundo Latino. You have a readership beyond your wildest dreams. You have a loyal following that you are not able to see. I know Mi Gente in Mexico reads LatinoLA. I know people in other states across this country read LatinoLA. I know the nurses in my doctor's office read LatinoLA. I talk to so many people, and they are as enchanted by LatinoLA, as am I.

A close friend of mine urged me to submit an article. And, as I sat, drinking my big ol' soda at some dumpy "mart", I got a call on my cell. "Lupe," I heard his voice, "Lupe, LatinoLA printed your article." It was then that I knew what it was like to laugh and to cry, both at the same time. All my life, I had been told I was a writer. Two weeks before I graduated college, an English professor said, "You cannot go to law school. You are a writer." And I sat there, on the lawn outside his office, holding my head in my hands, thinking I had ruined my life.

But, you know what? I made one hell of a great jury trial attorney. Why? Because I could tell a jury what had happened. Because I knew how to use words. And, now, I am older. I have seen a lot. Maybe too much. But, to you, Abelardo, and to the people who comprise LatinoLA, I owe you thanks for letting my dream come true.

Some knucklehead wrote that Latinos are "missing out" now that journalism is changing formats. No. That is not the way I see it. What is happening is that Mi Gente and I are re-evaluating what we have, changing it, re-describing it and putting it into action. We Latinos are the future. And each one of us holds a facet of that future in our minds, in our almas y en nuestros corazones. And I am certain there are others, who read LatinoLA and who derive what is important to them. Never, ever forget that you made that happen.

If you are weary, we will wait. If you are disappointed, aqui estamos con un abrazote y nuestras manos. Because I and so many others believe in you, the editors, and LatinoLA. "Aqui estamos, y JUNTOS nos lanzamos."

Ay, Abelardo. Can we talk? LatinoLA is in the vanguard, a veritable trailblazer, of Latino communication and Journalism. You and the rest of the editorial staff have invested time, energy, your very souls and selves, to bring this entity to fruition. I cannot think of one other written or technological publication that appeals to the wide spectrum of readers, as does LatinoLA.

You, Abelardo, You and the others have given Mi Gente and myself a tremendous power. The power of words, of sharing, of expression, of demanding our rights, of commending each other, of chastizing when chastizing is merited. The power of being able to tell of our dreams, our fears, our successes and yes, our failures. The power of being able to write in to a young, aspiring writer, or producer, or someone who dreams big while in their stifling cubicle--the power and ability to say, "Hey, I am here. And I read your words. And they struck a chord in me. And, thank you!"

I am just imagining all of the various scenarios that have occurred because YOU took this idea, which began to germinate in your alma, in your mind, in your corazon--you took this idea and made it REAL. You made it BE.

Yes, La Vida takes it's toll on all of us. Some of us feel the strains as we are more sensitive. Some of us feel the strains because they are truly hard blows. And we find ourselves reeling, at times, trying to remain standing. Trying to take the next step. I tell myself at these times, "Damn it--I am NOT going to lie here and take this." And I stand up, shaky and scared, maybe not moving for a while, but eventually I begin again.

LatinoLA has given wings to those who wish to fly. LatinoLA has given hope to those who do not know to whom they can turn. LatinoLA has given opportunity to each and every one of us--to be who and what we are. And, for that, and for so many other kindnesses, I thank you.

Please see that LatinoLA already is LatinoCities. LatinoLA is El Mundo Latino. You have a readership beyond your wildest dreams. You have a loyal following that you are not able to see. I know Mi Gente in Mexico reads LatinoLA. I know people in other states across this country read LatinoLA. I know the nurses in my doctor's office read LatinoLA. I talk to so many people, and they are as enchanted by LatinoLA, as am I.

A close friend of mine urged me to submit an article. And, as I sat, drinking my big ol' soda at some dumpy "mart", I got a call on my cell. "Lupe," I heard his voice, "Lupe, LatinoLA printed your article." It was then that I knew what it was like to laugh and to cry, both at the same time. All my life, I had been told I was a writer. Two weeks before I graduated college, an English professor said, "You cannot go to law school. You are a writer." And I sat there, on the lawn outside his office, holding my head in my hands, thinking I had ruined my life.

But, you know what? I made one hell of a great jury trial attorney. Why? Because I could tell a jury what had happened. Because I knew how to use words. And, now, I am older. I have seen a lot. Maybe too much. But, to you, Abelardo, and to the people who comprise LatinoLA, I owe you thanks for letting my dream come true.

Some knucklehead wrote that Latinos are "missing out" now that journalism is changing formats. No. That is not the way I see it. What is happening is that Mi Gente and I are re-evaluating what we have, changing it, re-describing it and putting it into action. We Latinos are the future. And each one of us holds a facet of that future in our minds, in our almas y en nuestros corazones. And I am certain there are others, who read LatinoLA and who derive what is important to them. Never, ever forget that you made that happen.

If you are weary, we will wait. If you are disappointed, aqui estamos con un abrazote y nuestras manos. Because I and so many others believe in you, the editors, and LatinoLA. "Aqui estamos, y JUNTOS nos lanzamos."

Dear Abelardo:.You do a magnificent job and don't you ever forget that fact. You keep us in touch with our community.... Our roots. I live in San Francisco but Latino LA is a lifeline to me and many across this country. I use it when I'm planning a trip to LA. and feel that LA love once again. Thank you for you sacrifice in keeping this going.Jose Torres